By @usatoday
Publication Date: 2025-12-25 10:03:00
December 25, 2025, 5:03 am ET
Holiday rituals and gatherings offer something precious: the promise of connecting us to something greater than ourselves, be it friends, family, or the divine. But in the not-too-distant future, artificial intelligence—which has already revolutionized industries, relationships, and our understanding of reality—appears poised to expand even further into these sacred spaces.
People are increasingly using AI to replace talking to other people. Research shows that 72% of teens have used an artificial intelligence companion, chatbots that act as companions or confidants – and that one in eight teens and young adults use AI chatbots for mental health advice.
Those lacking emotional support elsewhere will appreciate that chatbots provide both encouragement and constant availability. But chatbots are not trained or licensed therapists, and they are unable to avoid reinforcing harmful thoughts — meaning people may not get the support they’re looking for.
If…
